Three Shortlisted for Young Sports Star Prize

The shortlisted trio smiling for a photo.
Photo description: The three contenders are in the running for this year's award.

Announced recently

Lionesses forward Michelle Agyemang, darts prodigy Luke Littler and cricket star Davina Perrin have been shortlisted for the upcoming Young Sports Star of the Year award.

The three finalists have been honoured for their exceptional achievements over the previous year.

Agyemang played a key role in helping the Lionesses claim victory in Euro 2025, Littler secured the world title for the very first time, and Perrin burst onto the scene with a record-breaking innings.

Littler was the recipient in 2024 after his remarkable rise.

The three contenders were announced live on a widely-listened-to radio show.

The champion will be announced during a live broadcast on the prestigious sports ceremony show on the 18th of December.

The show will be broadcast from seven in the evening GMT.

The Football Star

Age: 19 Sport: Football

Only 90 days after her first cap for her country, Agyemang played a dramatic and decisive role in England's run to Euro 2025 glory.

She was introduced as a substitute to score vital last-gasp goals in both the knockout stage games.

These match-saving moments led to her being named the best young player at the Euros.

Later in the year, she was awarded the prestigious Golden Girl honour for the top young European talent.

She was also nominated for the Kopa Trophy for the global standout among U21 women.

Agyemang, who has been on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, sustained a serious knee injury in October.

"Being on the shortlist for this award is an honour," said Agyemang. "Thank you to God and I'm thankful for the support I've received from my family, coaches, team-mates and fans."

Luke Littler

Age: 18 Sport: Darts

Littler kicked off the year in spectacular fashion as - at just 17 years old - he became the most youthful world title winner in history.

He secured a comprehensive triumph over Michael van Gerwen in the final.

His follow-up triumph at the World Matchplay made him only the fifth player to complete the prestigious PDC Triple Crown.

His success continued - his victory at November's Grand Slam of Darts meant he climbed to world number one for the very first time.

At 18, he is the earliest achiever to do so, smashing the previous record.

"To receive a nomination for the honour once more is a massive accolade," stated Littler. "Last year's win was a special memory for me and I've had another amazing 12 months. I want to continue elevating darts."

The Cricket Sensation

Age: 19 Sport: Cricket

Perrin is one of English cricket's brightest emerging stars and surged to prominence with an unbelievable and unprecedented innings in August.

Her magnificent 42-ball century in The Hundred is the speediest century from an England batswoman in T20s.

It also stands as the joint third-fastest women's T20 century in a premier tournament.

Perrin finished second in the batting rankings and was named PCA Women's Young Player of the Year.

"I'm truly honoured to be named a finalist for the young athlete award," expressed Perrin. "It means a great deal. I hope it inspires more girls to get into cricket."

Video description: Memorable speeches from across the awards' past.
Ryan Berg
Ryan Berg

A tech journalist with a passion for exploring cutting-edge innovations and making complex tech topics accessible to all readers.